Hudibras, Samuel Butler — 1689 Collected Edition

£1,500.00

Hudibras, Samuel Butler — 1689 Collected Edition

Name: Hudibras, Samuel Butler — 1689 Collected Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4288
Price: 1500.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

Write Review

In stock

£1,500.00

Shipping is calculated at checkout.

Publication: London, Richard Parker, 1689

Formatting: 8vo, pp. [ii], 412, [ii], 254.

Condition Report: Very Good. The book is bound in contemporary speckled calf, which remains remarkably tight and sound. The boards exhibit some expected light rubbing and edge-wear typical with age, but the leather retains a pleasing, unvarnished patina. The spine, divided into compartments by raised bands, features gilt floral tooling that remains relatively bright and unoxidised, complemented by a handsome red morocco title label that is well-preserved. Internally, the binding is firm, with the hinges holding securely. The pages are generally crisp and bright, displaying only occasional and minor age-toning or scattered foxing, free from any significant tears or heavy staining.

Catalogue Note: A compelling early collected printing of Samuel Butler's renowned mock-heroic poem, bringing together the three parts under a single title page. As is characteristic of certain composite issues of this work, the constituent sections are comprised of various early sheets, with Part III notably retaining a separate pagination and title page. This specific printing of the third part is exceptionally scarce on the open market, with institutional holdings in the U.K. being remarkably low.

The book bears early ink ownership signatures interwoven with the printed text on the title page, adding a touch of contemporary personalisation. Further establishing its provenance, the front pastedown features the striking illustrative ex-libris of Charles and Grace Booth. Complete contemporary copies of this satirical masterpiece remain highly sought after by collectors of Restoration literature.

Samuel Butler's Hudibras is a cornerstone of English satire, a biting and uproarious mock-heroic poem that mercilessly skewers the Puritans, Presbyterians, and various factions involved in the English Civil War. Published in the wake of the Restoration, the poem found an enthusiastic audience in Charles II's court and the wider public, eager to laugh at the rigid dogmas and hypocrisy of the recent Cromwellian era. Following the misadventures of the pompous knight Sir Hudibras and his squire Ralpho, figures heavily inspired by Cervantes' Don Quixote, Butler employs inventive doggerel verse and sharp wit to expose the absurdities of religious extremism and political fanaticism. It remains a masterclass in polemical humour and a vital window into the cultural landscape of 17th-century England.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Samuel Butler

Book Publisher: Richard Parker

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Antiquarian

Genre: Poetry

Book edition:

Signed: No

Book Pages:

Book Publication Year: 1689

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.